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MAKRO AND GAME RESPOND TO SACCAWU DEMANDS

MAKRO and GAME management have reviewed the demands tabled by SACCAWU in the memoranda that were handed over during the one day of protest action (24 July) and have provided the union with a written response.

With specific reference to the union’s wage demand, Makro’s revised wage offer of R445 across the board or 8% (whichever is the greater) equates to an average increase of 9,7%, which can be seen as fair and reasonable in the current economic climate.

Makro and Game remain committed to cordial industrial relations. Nevertheless, the companies have no choice but to reject a number of the demands that have been made on the basis that they disregard due industrial relations process, deny employees the right to freedom of association, and contradict the letter and spirit of recent agreements reached after prolonged discussions.

By way of example, the union is demanding an agency shop agreement that will oblige all staff in the Game and Makro bargaining units to pay union dues regardless of whether they are union members.

Similarly, demands for the implementation of a 45 hour working week at Makro’s Silver Lakes store rescind a written agreement between Makro and the union signed in January 2009, where the 40 hour rolling week at the store was accepted.

Makro and Game are awaiting further response from their respective union representatives and do not rule out the possibility of further protest action.

Ends

Notes to editors

About a 40 hour rolling week.

A 40 hour rolling week essentially means that the normal workweek can start on any day of the week enabling the retailer to time the start day to coincide with peak trading periods. Thus the week may start on a Wednesday and end on a Sunday. Under normal circumstances retailers would employ additional casual employees to provide additional cover during peak trading periods and especially from Friday to Sunday. An advantage of this arrangement is that staff employed on the 40 hour rolling week are employed as permanent employees with access to medical and provident fund benefits. From an employer perspective an advantage is that overtime is only paid after the first 40 hours have been worked, thus Saturday and Sunday work does not attract overtime.

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